Copy Paper Buying Guide

With so many choices available, selecting the right copy paper can get confusing. Our buying guide shows you what to look for, including paper size, coating, weight and whiteness, to help you pick the best paper for your needs.

Paper Size

The most common copy paper sizes are A3, A4 and A5. The image below illustrates the difference between these common paper sizes as well as other sizes such as A0, A1, A2, A6 and more.

Paper Size

A4

A3

A5

SRA3

Measurements

210 x 297mm

297 x 430mm

148 x 210mm

320 x 450mm

Description

The most commonly used paper for printing and copying. A staple in homes, offices and schools.

The size of two A4 papers laid next to each other in portrait format. Ideal for printing spreadsheets, posters, floor plans and other large documents.

The size of an A4 paper folded once, or A3 paper folded twice. Popular for printing invitations, flyers, leaflets and more.

Slightly larger than A3 paper, and commonly used in commercial printing for advertising materials such as posters. SRA stands for Supplementary Raw Format A.

Paper Coating / Finish

Different types of coating produce different results, so make sure you select the right one for your printing needs.

Uncoated Paper

This copy paper has no extra coating or finish. It is ideal for documents with a lot of text as there is no glare on the surface, making it easy to read. Uncoated copy paper is the most commonly used copy paper.

Matte Paper

Matte copy paper has a light coating and is slightly smoother than uncoated copy paper. It adds a little contrast to photos and images, helping them to stand out more.

Gloss Paper

Copy paper with a glossy finish is thicker than standard copy paper. It’s commonly used for photos, posters, brochures and marketing materials, where images and colours need to pop.

Satin / Silk Paper

This high-quality copy paper features a silky smooth finish, resulting in very vibrant colours and super sharp text. It’s commonly used when accurate colour reproduction is required.

Other Things to Consider

Besides paper size and coating, you should also consider paper weight and whiteness when selecting copy paper.

Paper Weight (GSM)

Paper weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). 80 gsm paper is ideal for everyday use, while 100+ gsm paper is better for colour presentations, reports and other important documents.

For major jobs and the best full-colour printing performance, look for at least 150gsm.

Paper Whiteness (CIE)

Paper whiteness is measured by the amount of light reflected off its surface, and rated as a CIE number. The higher the CIE, the whiter the paper.

Documents printed on whiter paper will be easier to read, due to the higher contrast between the ink and paper. For high-quality B&W printing, use paper with at least 150 CIE.

Paper Choices

Make an informed choice when buying paper by understanding what these logos mean.

Recycled

Using recycled paper helps to conserve trees, and the higher the percentage of recycled content, the better for the environment.

FSC

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is dedicated to promoting responsible forest management worldwide. The FSC logo indicates that the paper is from responsibly sourced materials.

PEFC

The Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management. The PEFC logo indicates that the paper is from sustainably managed forests.

AFS

The Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) is an Australian standard endorsed by the PEFC. This logo indicates that the paper is from sustainably managed sources in Australia.

Copy Paper Recommendations

Still not sure which paper to choose? Use our handy chart below as a quick guide for buying the right copy paper.

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